Save Ardrossan Harbour: Hundreds turn out to first meeting

Members of the Save Ardrossan Harbour group gathered with more than 300 concerned residents and local politicians at the town's Civic Centre on Wednesday night to issue the rallying cry: "This is just the beginning."

Save Ardrossan Harbour was launched after years of problems surrounding the facility - and thus, the future of the town as the main port for the Brodick ferry.

Vital upgrade work at the harbour to allow the terminal to accommodate Caledonian MacBrayne's two new Arran ferries was promised by Humza Yousaf, when he was Scotland's transport minister, in 2018.

But the project was called in for a review by Transport Scotland last summer amid mounting concern at the rising cost of the scheme.

Since then harbour owners Peel Ports have closed the Irish Berth - saying it had deteriorated due to overuse. That was the berth for the second Ardrossan-Brodick ferry.

As a result, the second ferry, MV Alfred, has been forced to operate out of Troon harbour, with a much longer crossing time to the island.

When Arran's two new ferries arrive, they will also have to operate from Troon until the Ardrossan Harbour upgrade is completed - if, indeed, it is every completed.

Save Ardrossan Harbour are calling on Peel Ports, Calmac, Clyde Marine Assets Ltd, North Ayrshire Council, and the Scottish Government to commit to open, honest discussions about the future of the lifeline service.

At their first public meeting last night, the group shared their story with the 341 attendees - and looked to discuss what their next steps would be.

(Image: Staff)

Save Ardrossan Harbour was born following a Facebook poll - where nearly 5,000 locals made it clear that they wished for Ardrossan Harbour to remain the main ferry port - not Troon.

Member Frances Gilmour decided enough was enough and that something had to be done.

She said she was "quite upset" with the poll result, considering "not a lot is happening" with the harbour.

"I felt angry, frustrated, and forgotten," she added.

The next step was to meet with some like-minded people, and to approach local businesses, to see how this could be moved on.

As a result, Save Ardrossan Harbour was formed and a steering group put in place just one month ago.

The group's acting secretary, Matt McGowan, stepped forward to explain the future plans and outline what has been done so far.

He emphasised that the group are looking to "create a bit of noise" about finding a solution and that this "won't be our last meeting".

In fact, the group will meet again next Wednesday, October 9, at 7pm in the EU Congregational Church in Ardrossan.

The plan is those who wish to join the group attend, and a committee will be elected to take Save Ardrossan Harbour forward.

Matt added that the group have been "blown away" by the support so far - in particular after seeing the masses arrive at the meeting.

He noted that a press release was sent out to various stakeholders, including those involved in operating the harbour and ferries - and local councillors, MPs and MSPs. They have also put in a funding request with North Ayrshire Council.

(Image: Staff)

Matt said: “It’s important to the area, it won’t just affect Ardrossan and Brodick but the wider community.

“We can’t solve problems overnight, it’s a slow process but it’s about the community coming together in a positive way, saying we want to make a change.”

Fellow group member, and owner of Seahorse Bookstore, Gordon Murray added more on their plans moving forward.

He said: “We want this to be a positive thing, what can we do? We want the community to feel this is something we can all be involved in.

"We think it would be great to bring this forward and make a noise. There is something we can do.”

The group made it clear that the more they raise their voice the more they will be heard.

While there mission may appear similar to others that have gone before, Ardrossan is yet to have a "seat at the table" - and their aim is to provide that.

The floor was then opened to fellow community groups and business owners to share their opinions.

A number of people stepped forward, commenting on their "deep concern" over the situation.

They called to "end the uncertainty" and added that the "economic shock will be felt deeply if Ardrossan is not kept on".

(Image: Staff)

It was emphasised that plans could be put in place, if work on the harbour was to be carried out, for a temporary loss of the ferry - this just needs cleared up.

A representative from Clyde Marina claimed the loss of the ferry from the harbour "would be devastating to our growth".

While others added that the loss of the ferries would be devastating not only to their business but to those they employ.

"Losing the harbour affects custom and people won’t be able to feed their families," they commented.

Members of the public also offered their support, not just from Ardrossan but from Brodick - with many attending from the island or tuning in via the meeting's live stream.

The final move of the night saw elected members take to the floor, with all having a clear message.

Kenneth Gibson MSP emphasised that the Scottish Government are committed to Ardrossan Harbour and want the site to be developed as soon as possible.

However, issues have arisen due to the private ownership of the harbour, with the MSP stating that an agreement to sort the problems is "hopefully imminent".

Meanwhile, recently-elected Irene Campbell MP committed to the project, stating that if there is a UK Government solution she will discuss this as soon a possible with Mr Gibson.

She added: "At what point can we lose jobs in a deprived area like Ardrossan to an affluent area like Troon?"

Councillor Donald Reid stated that North Ayrshire Council will do whatever they can to ensure Ardrossan Harbour is upgraded and the ferries remain in the town.

Elected members, Peel Ports and Transport Scotland have all been approached for comment.